Home Maintenance and the Law

[bluebird34]

Last week I had new worktops in my kitchen and a new ceramic hob fitted, which was provided by the fitter. Now one of the rings will only turn off if power is turned off at the wall, Am I right in thinking that all electric work done in the home now should be carried out by a qualified electrician, as I suspect this is not the case here and I would like to have my facts straight before I contact the (two man) firm to put this right for me. Thanks in advance, Janet

[Buenchico]

Anyone installing NEW 'fixed electrical installations' must ensure that their safety is checked by a suitably qualified person. (A qualified electrician can check his own work. If you, or another unqualified person, puts the installation in - as you're perfectly entitled to do - you must then get the work checked by a qualified person).

However the rules don't cover repairs or replacements to EXISTING fixed installations. For example, anyone can replace a mains socket, light switch or ceiling rose without the need for any checks. If you already had the wiring going to a hob, and the fitters simply replaced the hob (rather than installing an extra power circuit to supply your new hob) it's likely that their actions would be regarded as akin to changing a socket, and therefore not covered by the legislation.

If one of your rings is permanently on (except when the power is turned off at the wall) it seems most likely that there's a fault with the rotary switch within the hob. (i.e. the fault is not the result of poor workmanship by the fitters). With most hobs it would be extremely difficult to wire power to the wrong side just one switch, while leaving the others wired correctly.

Chris

[bluebird34]

Dear Chris Thank you very much for your comprehensive answer, I wonder if you are able to tell me if the hob is safe to use until I get my installer back to recify the fault. Once again I am very grateful to you for taking the time to answer, Janet x

[buildersmate]

Its not ideal like that, but there is no reason for it to be unsafe.
(Chris is generally an evening/night person on here)
I agree fully with Chris' analysis of what has happened.

[Old_Geezer]

Unsure one would want to take responsibility for saying something is safe when one hasn't seen it, but I'd carry on using it if I were in that position. Sounds like the normal switch is failing and if you can use the wall switch instead you may decide that would serve.

Don't get any sparking sounds or anything from the failing switch do you ?

[bluebird34]

Thank you all for replying so quickly, this site has been a real help to me since my husband died - so many knowledgeable people to ask, so once again thank you all Janet x

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Any extra fixed wiring installed in a dwelling especially in a kitchen needs to be certified by a Registered Qualified electrician. Being qualified only, is no longer acceptable in our 'Nanny' state.

If you've had any electrical installation work carried out, firstly make sure the installer is registered and then, if you want, you can check his registration no. against the appropricate web site listings.

The Registration companies are: NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, ECA (NICEIC being the best!!!)

Hopefully you haven't had any installation work carried and you won't have to go down this route.

Hope this helps